Encouragement during tough beginnings...

When we first started building in Summer 2009, we actually began in a town called Wli, which is about 30 minutes from Santrokofi - Agnes already had land there, the project was for the same children, but a different location. We cleared the site, and began marking it out.

And then the youth of the town attacked our builders and had Agnes put in jail (thankfully very quickly released!). In the space of 24 hours we went from being elated at starting the project to having to leave the village in a rush. That evening , with Agnes, some of us prayed. I opened my Bible, at Psalm 27. It's words were so relevant to what we were facing, it even has reference to those who mothers and fathers have died. God used it to encourage us. The very next day we met with the chiefs, and work began in Santrokofi.

Looking back we can see why God moved us. Our new location is so much better, the people are supportive, and instead of being attacked, our work has been blessed. Psalm 27 continues to encourage me, especially with regard to the project in Santrokofi.

Psalm 27:

1 

The Lord is my light and my salvation —
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?

² When the wicked advance against me
    to devour^[a] me,
it is my enemies and my foes
    who will stumble and fall. 
³ Though an army besiege me,
    my heart will not fear; 
though war break out against me,
    even then I will be confident.

⁴ One thing I ask from the Lord,
    this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life, 
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
    and to seek him in his temple.
⁵ For in the day of trouble 
    he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
    and set me high upon a rock.

⁶ Then my head will be exalted 
    above the enemies who surround me; 
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; 
    I will sing and make music to the Lord.

⁷ Hear my voice when I call, Lord;
    be merciful to me and answer me. 
⁸ My heart says of you, “Seek his face! ”
    Your face, Lord, I will seek.
⁹ Do not hide your face from me,
    do not turn your servant away in anger; 
    you have been my helper. 
Do not reject me or forsake me,
    God my Savior. 
¹⁰ Though my father and mother forsake me,
    the Lord will receive me.
¹¹ Teach me your way, Lord;
    lead me in a straight path 
    because of my oppressors. 
¹² Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
    for false witnesses rise up against me,
    spouting malicious accusations.

¹³ I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord 
    in the land of the living. 
¹⁴ Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.